Futsal Facts

Five-a-side soccer, or Futsal, is different than the boarded indoor football typically played in indoor arenas, and more closely resembles small-field football.

Unlike boarded indoor football, players playing Futsal cannot bounce a ball off a wall to pass the ball to a teammate or get around an opponent. Touchlines and goal lines define the field of play and the players must keep the ball in play as well as deal with the smaller playing area which requires quicker passing and reliance on skill.

While Futsal and regular 11-a-side football are similar in terms of touchlines and goal lines, the differences make for a much faster game.

Compare:

Football vs. Futsal

11-a-Side Football

Futsal

Field is 150 – 300 feet wide and 300 – 390 feet long

Field is 48 – 81 feet wide and 81 – 138 feet long

Size 5 ball

Size 4 ball with 30% less bounce

11 players

5 players

3 substitutions requiring stoppage

Unlimited change during play

Throw-in

Kick-in

Running clock – 45 minute halves

Running clock -25 minute halves

No time-outs

1 time-out per half

Goal kicks

Goal clearance (throw)

Some contact allowed

No shoulder charges or slide tackling

No absolute time limit on restart

4 second rule on restarts

Offside rule

No Offside rule

Goalkeeper steps

No restrictions but limited to 4 seconds

No sub for player called off (red card)

Player sent off can be replaced after 2 minutes have elapsed or opponent scores a goal